Today I offer a prayer for peace – not ‘world peace’ that every aspirational speech talks about – peace in our spirits and souls that only a relationship with God can provide. Father God, our Merciful and Gracious King, overflowing with peace, we praise and worship Your holy name. Thank you that we do not…
Month: January 2021
2 Kings 1
This chapter recounts Elijah’s interactions with Ahaziah, King of Israel (son of Ahab and Jezebel). “Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty… fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, ‘O man of God, please let my life, and the life of…
2 Chronicles 20
This chapter recounts a massive army from surrounding territories approaching Judah, and God’s deliverance of His people. “…Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.’ And… he appointed those who were to sing to…
2 Chronicles 19
This chapter describes King Jehoshaphat’s wise reforms throughout the land of Judah. “…Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases… And he charged them: ‘Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole…
2 Chronicles 18
This chapter parallels 1 Ki 22 and recounts King Ahab (of Israel) and King Jehoshaphat (of Judah) waging war against the Syrians, despite the prophesy of Micaiah. “And [Ahab] said to Jehoshaphat, ‘I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.’ As soon as the captains of the [Syrian] chariots saw…
A Prayer for Comfort in Mourning
It has been a difficult week for my family. We had to say goodbye to one of our beloved cats, who was 18.5 years old. This experience had me thinking a great deal about loss, and how to process it. I offer a prayer for all of us who have, or will, suffer loss in…
1 Kings 22
This chapter describes an alliance between the new King of Judah, Jehoshaphat (son of Asa) and Ahab, King of Israel. They decide to take back some of Israel’s land that had been conquered by the Syrians. “And Micaiah said, ‘Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and…
1 Kings 21
This chapter describes a wicked conspiracy by Jezebel (Ahab’s wife) to murder a man (Naboth) for his vineyard, because Ahab wanted it for a vegetable garden. Ahab is later condemned by God through Elijah for his own sin, and for Jezebel’s as well (probably because Ahab allowed Jezebel’s wickedness). “[Elijah] answered, ‘…you have sold yourself…
1 Kings 20
This chapter tells of King Ahab’s wars with Syria. “So the prophet… waited for the king… disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. And as the king passed, he cried to the king and said, ‘Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a soldier turned and brought a man…
1 Kings 19
This chapter describes Elijah’s journey as he flees Jezebel (Ahab’s wicked wife) who sought to kill him. “…And after the fire the sound of a low whisper… And behold, there came a voice to [Elijah] and said… ‘…you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu… to be king over Israel, and Elisha……